Abstract:

We assessed the natural recovery after commercial logging with different manners, including repeatedly logging, selective logging, and managed selective logging in montane rain forests of Bawangling on Hainan Island. Our result showed that commercial logging enhanced species abundance of recovery communities in the tropical montane rainforest, due mainly to the increase of species richness of small stems (<10 cm DBH). The stems in logged forests were significantly more than old-growth forests, but the basal area of logged forests was apparently less than old-growth forests. Rates of species accumulation of saplings and young trees in forests after logging were less than those in old growth forests. After approximate 20-25 years of succession, the community structure of forests after managed selective logging was similar to the old-growth forest. The long-lived pioneer species richness, stems density, and basal area increased significantly in the forests after logged, especially after repeatedly logging. However, there was little variation in species richness proportion of late succession and shade-tolerant species among different forest communities. Those logged forests with selective logging and managed selective logging had higher recovery potential and rate, but it took time to recover to pre-logged forests level.

Key words: logging manner, forest regeneration, species diversity, functional groups, tropical forest